### 195

‘Chagarashi!’ screams Anseng, ‘Ishir save us!’

The ghastly creatures detect the scent of the frightened wagon horses and detach themselves from the tattered remains of their victims. With murderous intent, they come loping along the muddy highway with their bloodied mouths agape.

‘We must protect the horses!’ shouts Anseng, and hurriedly he dismounts from the wagon and unshoulders his kirusami. Your mount is overcome with sheer terror. He rears up and you are thrown out of the saddle onto the muddy ground. Before you can attempt to calm him, he bolts and gallops away along the highway you have just travelled. Chengu is shaking with fear. Desperately he fights to regain control of his panicking horse team as the Chagarashi increase their loping pace.

Drenched with rain and plastered with sticky mud, you scramble to your feet and rush to join Anseng who is standing defiantly on the highway between the onrushing monsters and the terrified wagon horses. Coolly, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and stand beside your guide. Two of the howling horrors launch themselves upon you while the third beast leaps through the air and slashes at Anseng with its razor-sharp talons.

Chagarashi: COMBAT SKILL 44 ENDURANCE 40

You must fight these two creatures as one enemy.

If you win the combat, turn to 302.